What Is An Electric Wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs, also referred to as electric-powered wheelchairs or EPWs, are propelled by using electric motors.

An electric wheelchair, also referred to as an electric-powered wheelchair or EPW, is propelled by using electrical energy to power an electric motor. In contrast, traditional wheelchairs are manually powered using the occupant’s arms and hands. Electric wheelchairs are not a recent innovation with early prototypes dating back to the early 1930s. However, a recent surge has occurred in EPW development and adoption over the past 10 years due to enhanced performance offered by emerging electric motor and battery technology and the integration of significantly enhanced systems of computerized operation borrowed from other modern technologies.

A Short History Of The Electric Wheelchair

The first commercially successful electric wheelchair was produced in the late 1920s by the R.A. Harding company in England. Although three-wheeled and officially called “Invalid Transports,” they were precursors to the modern day electric wheelchair. Shortly after World War II, Canadian engineer George Klein invented the electric-powered wheelchair known as “The Klein Chair” to assist returning injured veterans.

Who Makes Smart Electric Wheelchairs?

The following manufacturers offer advanced computerized electric wheelchairs:

Deka Research And Development LogoDeka Research and Development
Models: iBot
Luci LogoLuci
Models: Luci
Nino Robotics LogoNino Robotics
Models: Nino4
Not A Wheelchair LogoNot A Wheelchair
Models: Rig
Scewo LogoScewo
Models: Bro
Whill LogoWhill
Models: Model Ci, Model A

Electric Wheelchairs In The News

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Tesla Solar Roof Installed In Less Than 2 Days

JIll BinocheNov 1, 2020

A Tesla Solar Roof installation team has completed an install in less than 2 days. This did not include the amount of time that it took to install the underlayment,…

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Tesla Solar Roof Installers Needed, Training Provided

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Tesla Energy is in dire need of qualified Solar Roof installers and is offering free training, no experience required. Successful applicants will get to work with Tesla’s latest solar technology,…

Serial 1 Cycle Company Harley Davidson eBike Spin-Off

Serial 1 Cycle Company Harley Davidson eBike Spin-Off

Jon MentorOct 26, 2020

Serial 1 Cycle Company, a Harley Davidson spin-off, is announcing the availability of its first electric bicycle at midnight on November 16, 2020. Unlike several other ebike companies that simply…

Lavo Hydrogen Fuel Cell A Tesla Powerwall Rival

Lavo Hydrogen Fuel Cell A Tesla Powerwall Rival

JIll BinocheOct 18, 2020

Lavo Hydrogen Technology has introduced their new Lavo system, a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell battery for the home to compete with the Tesla Powerwall. The Lavo system will combine with…

Tesla Solar Roof Installed In 4 Just Days

Tesla Solar Roof Installed In 4 Just Days

JIll BinocheOct 16, 2020

A Tesla Solar Roof has been installed in just 4 days by Weddle & Sons Roofing in Auburn, Kansas. The installation included removing the existing roof, laying down a weatherproof…

Sources

Manufacturers: Deka, Luci, Nino Robotics, Not A Wheelchair, Scewo, Whill

Colin is the Editor-In-Chief at Electric Guide and writes about electric mobility.  With a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from SDSU, Colin presents a unique point of view in his articles, offering both technical expertise and extensive user experience with electric vehicles. Colin also writes for our sister publication Wear.guide. Send tips and story ideas to Colin at: colin@electric.guide